Id like to see some more options for smaller beam weapons, Currently (I think) we only can make gauss and laser smaller with the payoff being in accuracy and recharge time.
How about being able to miniaturize other weapons too?
Some other balancing payoffs suggestions to give them unique character:
- exceptionally high buildcost (x10 or x50 for a small version)
- almost no range
- extra energy/reactor need (without changing recharge time)
- lower damage multiplier
- higher explosion chance/damage (if it blows the ship blows)
I also think reduced size lasers are a bit overly harsh in it's modifiers, x0.5 size for 20 times recharge = 10 times less dps. Even if initial hit is twice as big the normal size can fire 2 more times and overcome this in 10% the time the reduced size takes to recharge! Missile Launchers get x0.33 size mod for the same extra time to reload.
Some of these could also be set up so that the option to make them smaller is there from the start (like gauss), but research let's you reduce the malus on the payoff. Id like that for reduced size lasers to be honest, give us the smaller lasers that have 10 times less dps from the start and let us reduce it through research
Ideally all beam weapons should have a size 1 = 50ton variant that is possible to unlock or comes with massive trade offs.
The main thing I want is to be able to build a small fighter armed with any weapon type and a total size no bigger then 200-250ton. But most beam weaponry have a minimum size around that!
I guess I just love the idea of a huge swarm of small beam fighters, and the idea of being able to arm your heavier fighters with backup sidearm beams no matter what kind of beams you focus on
So don't just give lasers all the love! They come with all the fancy options like reduced size, turrets and now even spinal mounts